Australia Natural Resources:

Australia has enormous mineral resource potential, much of which is undeveloped. Metallic resources include bauxite, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver, nickel, tungsten, lead and zinc. Fuel resources include coal, natural gas, petroleum and uranium. Other geological resources include mineral sands and diamonds.

Australia Natural Hazards:

Australia has natural hazards which include severe droughts, and forest fires. Along the coast there are also cyclones.

Australia Environmental Issues:

The country of Australia has environmental issues related to soil and water. There is soil erosion from poor farming practices and overgrazing, and soil salinity due to the use of poor quality water. The clearing of land for agricultural purposes, industrial development, and urbanization have and continue to threaten the natural habitat of many unique animal and plant species. The Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast, which is the largest coral reef in the world, is threatened by its popularity as a tourist site and increased shipping. Australia also has limited natural fresh water resources and problems with desertification.